I teach sculpture and welding to university students and recently moved to a new institution. The facilities had been neglected over time and I am in the process of revamping the dust collection.
Currently there is a 800 cfm 2HP AFF shaker type collector inside the shop. I am having this moved outside since it just blows fine dust out the duct. That should help a lot. It has a 6" inlet that drops immediately down to 4" and continues as 4" for the rest of the system. The woodshop is approximately 20' x 80'.
I do not have any budget to replace the collector. I do not have budget to improve any of the piping. I may get to make the main run 6" though. Currently there are a lot of 90's and other bends. It has a copper wire in it for static electricity.
If you had to deal with improving a semi large shop with and existing but outdated dust collection system, where would you concentrate your efforts? Are there any other educators out there that have had success?
I appreciate any and all advice.